Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 25, have died in a tragic car crash in Zamora, Spain, during the early hours of Thursday. Spanish authorities confirmed that the brothers were travelling in a Lamborghini when a tyre blowout during an overtaking manoeuvre caused the vehicle to leave the road and catch fire.
The accident occurred just 11 days after Jota’s wedding to longtime partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children. The crash has sent shockwaves through the football world, with tributes pouring in from clubs, teammates, and national figures.
A Career of Impact at Club and Country
Jota began his career with Paços de Ferreira, before signing with Atlético Madrid and spending a season on loan at Porto, where Andre Silva was also part of the youth academy.
He rose to prominence with Wolverhampton Wanderers, scoring 44 goals in 131 games before making a £41 million move to Liverpool in 2020, where he netted 65 goals in 182 appearances, winning:
- The Premier League title (2024)
- The FA Cup and League Cup (2022)
For Portugal, he earned 49 caps, scored 14 goals, and helped lift the UEFA Nations League trophy in June 2025 after a final win over Spain.
Clubs and Federation Pay Tribute
- Liverpool FC: “We are devastated. Diogo was loved by everyone at the club.”
- Wolves: “Diogo was adored by our fans and cherished by all.”
- Portuguese Football Federation (FPF): “The passing of Diogo and Andre represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football.”
UEFA has confirmed a minute’s silence will take place before Portugal’s Euro 2025 match against Spain in honour of the late brothers.
Andre Silva, a forward for Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel, had made 59 league appearances in the past two seasons.
National Mourning and Reactions
Portugal’s Prime Minister Luis Montenegro called the news “unexpected and tragic,” praising Jota for “greatly honouring Portugal’s name.” Former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas, now president of FC Porto, added:
“Football has lost two great men. Their impact will never be forgotten.”
